Is El Gordo's Collision Velocity Challenging ΛCDM?

Sep 14, 2023

pinball1970

Gold Member

TL;DR Summary: Data from Chandra X ray telescope, show ΛCDM tension with El Gordo large galaxy cluster collision.

The article is here https://phys.org/news/2023-09-titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-early.html

"The results of our previous study were questioned by some scientists once an updated mass estimate for El Gordo was published and came in slightly lower. This does reduce the tension with ΛCDM, but it is still highly significant for any plausible collision velocity. Hundreds of detailed simulations show that El Gordo cannot look like the photos with a much slower collision velocity that could plausibly arise in ΛCDM."

Paper here https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ace62a
Previous paper here from 2020 with a discussion of the bullet cluster and MOND (4.3)

Previous data from Webb on the same issue. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ac9a50

Info on Chandra https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandra_X-ray_Observatory

Why is El Gordo's collision velocity significant?

El Gordo's collision velocity is significant because it appears to be exceptionally high, which challenges the predictions made by the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) model. The ΛCDM model is the standard model of cosmology that describes the evolution of the universe, including the formation of large-scale structures like galaxy clusters. El Gordo's high collision velocity raises questions about whether the ΛCDM model can fully account for such extreme events.

What is the ΛCDM model?

The ΛCDM model, or Lambda Cold Dark Matter model, is the prevailing cosmological model that describes the universe's composition and evolution. It includes the cosmological constant (Λ), which represents dark energy driving the accelerated expansion of the universe, and cold dark matter (CDM), which explains the formation of large-scale structures through gravitational interactions. This model has been highly successful in explaining a wide range of observations, from the cosmic microwave background to the distribution of galaxies.

How does El Gordo challenge the ΛCDM model?

El Gordo challenges the ΛCDM model because its observed collision velocity is higher than what the model predicts for such massive galaxy clusters. According to simulations based on the ΛCDM framework, the probability of forming a cluster with El Gordo's properties, including its high collision velocity, is extremely low. This discrepancy suggests that either our understanding of the ΛCDM model needs refinement or there may be additional factors at play that are not currently accounted for in the model.

What are the implications if El Gordo's collision velocity cannot be explained by ΛCDM?

If El Gordo's collision velocity cannot be adequately explained by the ΛCDM model, it could imply that our current understanding of cosmology is incomplete. This might lead to the consideration of alternative theories or modifications to the existing model. For example, it could suggest the need for new physics beyond the standard model, such as different properties of dark matter or dark energy, or even entirely new components in the cosmological framework. Such a finding would have profound implications for our understanding of the universe.

Is El Gordo's Collision Velocity Challenging ΛCDM?

Related to Is El Gordo's Collision Velocity Challenging ΛCDM?

What is El Gordo?

Why is El Gordo's collision velocity significant?

What is the ΛCDM model?

How does El Gordo challenge the ΛCDM model?

What are the implications if El Gordo's collision velocity cannot be explained by ΛCDM?

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